The Cross River State House of Assembly has taken decisive action against the escalating cost of housing in the state, announcing plans to ban housing agents accused of arbitrarily inflating rent prices across Calabar and other major towns.
The move follows growing public outrage over exploitative practices by property agents and landlords, with lawmakers citing instances where residents are charged as high as ₦2 million for small, poorly maintained apartments in the state capital.
Presenting the motion during plenary, members of the Assembly decried what they described as a rising housing crisis that is pushing low- and middle-income earners into financial distress. Legislators expressed concern that the actions of some agents were not only unethical but also contributing to homelessness and urban poverty.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the resolution as both “timely and people-centred,” emphasizing the Assembly’s responsibility to protect citizens from unfair market practices.
“This intervention is about fairness, affordability, and the dignity of our people. The Assembly will not allow exploitation in the housing sector to continue unchecked,” Ayambem stated.
The Speaker further noted that the House intends to work with relevant ministries and housing regulators to develop a transparent rent control framework and establish clear guidelines for property transactions in the state.
Lawmakers also urged the state government to strengthen oversight mechanisms within the Ministry of Lands and Housing, and to introduce a digital registry of verified property agents to curb fraudulent activities.
Residents and civil society groups have welcomed the move, describing it as a bold step toward addressing one of Calabar’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
The Assembly’s intervention signals a broader commitment by the Cross River State Government to ensure affordable housing, fair market regulation, and protection of tenants’ rights in an increasingly competitive real estate landscape.
